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- 1. Multiple Choice
Which of the following was a characteristic of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation?
Congress was a two-chambered body, with a House of Delegates and a Council.
Congress could not levy taxes or regulate commerce.
Congress could amend the Articles by a two-thirds vote.
There were two branches of government—judicial and legislative—but no executive.
- 2. Multiple Choice
Which of the following does NOT describe those who attended the Constitutional Convention?
Most were better educated than the average American of the time.
Most were prosperous by the standards of the day.
A significant percentage had served in the army during the Revolutionary War.
Most had earned their wealth after rising from humble origins.
- 3. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following is true of the Virginia Plan?James Madison opposed it, but the other delegates from Virginia supported it.It proposed a one-house legislature, with population determining representation.It proposed a two-house legislature, with population determining representation in each house.It called for each state to have one vote in Congress.
- 4. Multiple ChoiceThe New Jersey Plan:was mainly supported by the smaller, less populated states.contained a gradual emancipation requirement that proved quite controversial.found its greatest support from the Pennsylvania and Massachusetts delegations.called for a radical departure from the Articles of Confederation in every way.
- 5. Multiple ChoiceWhy did the founding fathers create the electoral college?Small states insisted that they have a chance to play a role in choosing the president, and that wouldn’t have been possible with direct elections.Alexander Hamilton wanted a king, James Madison wanted no president, and the result was this compromise so that there could be a president.They did not trust ordinary voters to choose the president and vice president directly.They knew the Constitution would make them unpopular, so they wanted to create a way to avoid letting voters choose the president, thereby giving themselves a chance to be elected.
- 6. Multiple ChoiceThe relationship between the national government and the states is called:the separation of powerschecks and balancesThe ConstitutionFederalism
- 7. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following is true regarding Congress and the African slave trade in the United States under the Constitution?Congress never prohibited this slave trade.The First Congress under the Constitution prohibited the importation of slaves into the United States.Congress always let individual states make their own decisions with regard to importing slaves.Congress prohibited the African slave trade twenty years after ratification of the Constitution.
- 8. Multiple ChoiceWho wrote the majority of the eighty-five essays in The Federalist?Alexander HamiltonJames MadisonJohn JayJohn Adams
- 9. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following was a weakness of the Articles of Confederation?Only Congress had the power to tax.There was no legislative branch of government.State governments had no authority.There was no national court system.
- 10. Multiple ChoiceWhat issue did the Great Compromise resolve?representation in the legislatureabolition of slaverythe veto power of the executivewhether taxes were to be paid in specie or paper money
- 11. Multiple ChoiceThe Three-Fifths Compromise resolved the issue ofhow enslaved people were to be counted in the population.whether larger states could have more representatives in Congress.whether Congress would have one or two houses.how many representatives each state would have in the Senate.
- 12. Multiple ChoiceThe anti-Federalists argued against the Constitution because they feltit gave too much power to the people.it created a weak executive branch.it made the national government too strong.the Articles of Confederation did not need to be reformed.
- 13. Multiple ChoiceWhich of the following was added to the Constitution to help gain the support of anti-Federalists?Bill of RightsGreat CompromiseNational court systemPreamble
- 14. Multiple ChoiceDelegates to the Constitutional Convention were initially supposed tothrow out the Articles of Confederation and start all over.write new constitutions for the states they represented.amend the Articles of Confederation.determine whether slavery would be allowed to continue.
- 15. Multiple ChoiceThe system of checks and balances is designed to ensure thatno one branch of government will gain too much powerthe Senate will not be controlled too much by the people.the President will be elected directly by the people.state legislatures will share power with the Congress
- 16. Multiple ChoiceUnder the Articles of Confederation, the national government wasstrong and unifiedheaded by a kinga loose alliance of statesdivided into three branches
- 17. Multiple ChoiceThe electoral college was created tolimit the people's power to elect the President directlyprovide training for newly elected officialsexplain presidential candidates' positions on the issuesproduce a clear majority for one candidate
- 18. Multiple ChoiceWho is considered the "Father of the Constitution?"James MadisonGeorge WashingtonBenjamin FranklinThomas Jefferson
- 19. Multiple ChoiceArticle I of the Constitution is aboutthe Legislative BranchThe Executive BranchAmending the ConstitutionThe Judicial Branch
- 20. Multiple ChoiceArticle II of the Constitution is aboutthe Legislative BranchThe Executive BranchAmending the ConstitutionThe Judicial Branch
- 21. Multiple ChoiceArticle III of the Constitution is aboutthe Legislative BranchThe Executive BranchAmending the ConstitutionThe Judicial Branch
- 22. Multiple ChoiceArticle IV of the Constitution is aboutthe relations of the StatesSupremacyRatificationFederalism
- 23. Multiple ChoiceArticle V of the Constitution is aboutthe relations of the StatesSupremacyRatificationAmendments
- 24. Multiple ChoiceArticle VII of the Constitution is aboutthe relations of the StatesSupremacyRatificationAmendments
- 25. Multiple ChoiceArticle VI of the Constitution is aboutthe relations of the StatesSupremacyRatificationAmendments
- 26. Multiple ChoiceAll of the following are guarantees provided by the Bill of Rights exceptthe right to vote for all citizens.right to a trial by a jury.freedom of speech.freedom of the press
- 27. Multiple Choice
Which requirement is a written qualification for President of the United States?
The candidate must be a naturalized citizen.
The candidate must be a registered member of one of the two dominant parties.
The candidate must be at least 35 years old.
The candidate must be a resident of the United States for at least seven years.
- 28. Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT included in the Bill of Rights?
freedom of speech
freedom of religion
right to an education
right to a trial by jury
- 29. Multiple Choice
Why was the national government under the Constitution stronger than the national government under the Articles of Confederation?
It had the power to enforce its laws.
The supremacy clause made state laws the highest in the land.
It did not have the power to tax the people.
State governments had been dissolved.
- 30. Multiple Choice
Anti-federalists wanted a Bill of Rights added to the constitution to help protect what?
Individual Rights
State Rights
Slavery
The Articles of Confederation
- 31. Multiple Choice
Which of the following best defines the principle of popular sovereignty?
The power of government is restricted
All people have rights that cannot be taken away
Government exists and functions only with the consent of the governed; people hold political power
Political power is divided among various branches of government
- 32. Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly describes the Three-Fifths Compromise?
Slaves count as 3/5th of a person for population and representation in congress.
The Virginia Plan and New Jersey plan would combined to form a bicameral legislature.
The Bill of Rights appeased the Anti-Federalists.
The preamble states "we the people" evidence of popular sovereignty.
- 33. Multiple Choice
The framers of the Constitution designed a system of checks and balances to do what?
share power between the national and state governments
share power between the national and state governments
make sure that the Constitution was the supreme law of the land
keep any one branch of government from becoming too powerful
- 34. Multiple Choice
Shay's Rebellion did what?
It showed Americans that rebellion would lead to change
It marked the beginning of legislation to improve the rights of farmers
It showed Americans the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation government
It marked the beginning of a period of civil unrest in the US
- 35. Multiple Choice
What is the feature of the Constitution that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches?
weights and measures
oversight and influence
privileges and immunities
checks and balances
- 36. Multiple Choice
What is the point or purpose of the Bill of Rights?
to regulate the individual
to provide opportunities to appeal your case to a higher court
to ensure individual liberties
to state what government can and cannot regulate
- 37. Multiple Choice
Unreasonable searches and seizures are specifically forbidden in the
Sixteenth Amendment.
Fifth Amendment.
Second Amendment.
Fourth Amendment.
- 38. Multiple Choice
The Fifth Amendment forbids
cruel and unusual punishment.
forced self-incrimination.
illegal searches and seizures.
the government establishment of a national religion.
- 39. Multiple Choice
The Eighth Amendment to the Constitution
is the freedom of privacy.
forbids cruel and unusual punishment.
is the right to bear arms.
grants women equal rights including the right to vote.
- 40. Multiple Choice
The Thirteenth Amendment
forbade slavery and involuntary servitude.
gave African Americans the right to vote.
repealed the Twelfth Amendment.
established the principle of separate but equal.
- 41. Multiple Choice
The Twenty-fourth Amendment, ratified in 1964,
prohibited discrimination in employment or public accommodations based on race.
granted African Americans the right to vote.
outlawed the use of literacy tests in order to register to vote.
prohibited the use of poll taxes in federal elections
- 42. Multiple Choice
The Nineteenth Amendment
gave women the constitutional right to vote.
outlawed the poll tax in federal elections
repealed Prohibition
gave African Americans the constitutional right to vote.
- 43. Multiple Choice
The Sixteenth Amendment:
called for the direct election of senators.
authorized Congress to implement a graduated income tax.
granted women the right to vote.
instituted the initiative, referendum, and recall.
- 44. Multiple Choice
Choose the amendment that most accurately addresses the following situation.
A police officer tried to search me. He said he didn’t like my haircut and wanted to see if I was breaking any laws.
4th Amendment
16th Amendment
6th Amendment
23rd Amendment
- 45. Multiple Choice
Choose the amendment that most accurately addresses the following situation.
When I tried to give $20 to support my favorite political party, my governor said that I was not allowed to make this donation.
1st Amendment
5th Amendment
19th Amendment
27th Amendment
- 46. Multiple Choice
Choose the amendment that most accurately addresses the following situation.
The police in my town only protect people with curly hair. People with straight hair don’t get protection.
2nd Amendment
7th Amendment
14th Amendment
21st Amendment
- 47. Multiple Choice
Which statement accurately describes the relationship between the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights?
The Bill of Rights allows the government some control over citizens, but the Constitution limits that control.
The Bill of Rights limits government power over citizens, while the Constitution defines what powers the government may exercise.
The Bill of Rights changed the structure of government that the Constitution had put into place its provisions.
The Bill of Rights defines the specific meaning of the inalienable rights mentioned in the Constitution.
- 48. Multiple Choice
Which of the following does Article VII of the Constitution make possible?
The Constitution is the supreme “Law of the Land.”
the recognition of official state documents from state to state
the process that ratified the Constitution
the amendment of the Constitution
- 49. Multiple Choice
During the period from the Constitutional Convention until the final ratification of the Constitution, Federalists and Anti-Federalists made different arguments about the proper form of government for the United States. Which one of the following statements represents an argument that Federalists made?
The Articles of Confederation needed only minor revision.
The ratification of the Constitution needed to be unanimous.
The Constitution needed a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms.
The national government needed to be stronger in order to work effectively.
- 50. Multiple Choice
I never expect to see a perfect work from imperfect man. The result of the deliberations of all collective bodies must necessarily be a compound, as well of the errors and prejudices, as of the good sense and wisdom, of the individuals of whom they are composed.—Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist Papers, No. 85, August 1788
Alexander Hamilton would MOST likely agree with which statement?
The Constitution should be rejected because of its flaws.
The Constitution can be amended to improve it as needed.
The Constitution should be ratified only if all states accept it.
The Constitution can be replaced if it proves to be ineffective.
- 51. Multiple Choice
Why did the anti-Federalists support the 9th and 10th Amendments?
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.—Amendment 9, U.S. Constitution
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. —Amendment 10, U.S. Constitution
The amendments denied individuals the right to challenge state governments.
The amendments created a system of checks and balances over federal authority.
The amendments established limits on federal powers over people and states.
The amendments listed legislative powers granted to local governments.
- 52. Multiple Choice
Which of the following BEST reflects the motivation of the Framers of the Constitution to add the Bill of Rights in 1791?
It was a compromise which ensured the ratification of the Constitution by New York and Virginia, guaranteeing state and civil liberties.
James Madison, the “father” of the Constitution, personally felt the document was incomplete and requested the authority to draft the new amendments.
The Congress wished to try out the new amendment process to see if it worked.
The Supreme Court had ruled the document to be “unconstitutional” due to the lack of the Bill of Rights.
- 53. Multiple Choice
During the period from the Constitutional Convention until the final ratification of the Constitution, Federalists and Anti-Federalists made different arguments about the proper form of government for the United States.
Which one of the following statements represents an argument that Anti-Federalists made?
The Articles of Confederation needed to be replaced.
The Constitution adequately protected individual freedoms.
A strong national government threatened individual freedoms.
The national government needed to be stronger than state governments.
- 54. Multiple Choice
What was the significance of the ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
It lengthened the term of U.S. senators.
It allowed the people to directly elect their senators.
It strengthened the power of the Senate in Congress.
It gave state governments more control over the election of senators.
- 55. Multiple Choice
Representative democracy is MOST connected with which of these facts?
In the United States, citizens elect leaders who write the laws of the nation.
In India, the Constitution states citizens have the right to assemble peacefully.
In North Korea, citizens only receive news that is approved by the government.
In Switzerland, citizens vote on issues ranging from foreign policy to changes in the Constitution.
- 56. Multiple Choice
The United States Constitution was written in 1787. What was the reason for writing the Constitution?
to argue for the abolition of slavery
to describe the organization of the government
to explain the reasons for separating from Britain
to list specific rights guaranteed to citizens
- 57. Multiple Choice
[H]e shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States.—Constitution of the United States, Article II, Section 2
How does the Constitution provide a check on the power of the judicial branch?
The president nominates judges and the Senate must approve them.
The Senate appoints judges and the Chief Justice can veto the choice.
The Attorney General nominates judges and the Senate can reject the selection.
The House appoints judges and the president must submit the names to the Senate.
- 58. Multiple Choice
The Preamble expands on which idea found in the Declaration of Independence?
that all men are created equal
that people may throw off unjust governments
that people establish governments to protect their rights
that England had not acted in the best interest of the colonies
- 59. Multiple Choice
What solution did the delegates at the Constitutional Convention design to resolve the debate between the Northern and Southern states?
the Virginia Plan
the New Jersey Plan
the Great Compromise
the Three-Fifths Compromise
- 60. Multiple Choice
Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. And the Congress may by general laws prescribe the manner in which such acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof.—Article IV, Section 1, of the U.S. Constitution
What would be an example of applying this clause of the U.S. Constitution?
Debtors are allowed to escape their debts by moving to another state.
A court ignores a criminal conviction made in another state’s court.
A state recognizes a marriage performed in another state.
The federal government requires a state to set up its own healthcare exchange.
- 61. Multiple Choice
What was one political effect of the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
It increased the number of citizens eligible to vote in elections.
It placed control of elections under the federal government.
It opened voting to non-property owners for the first time.
It extended voting privileges to both men and women.
- 62. Multiple Choice
Since the ratification of the Constitution in 1789, how many proposed constitutional amendments have been added to it?
27
50
39
10
- 63. Multiple Choice
Which governmental principle does this section of the U.S. Constitution enforce?
The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.—Article II, Section 4, U.S. Constitution
checks and balances
majority rule
popular sovereignty
states’ rights
- 64. Multiple Choice
All persons born or naturalized in the United States . . . are citizens of the United States. . . No state shall make or enforce a law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens. . . .—14th Amendment, U.S. Constitution
Why was this amendment added to the U.S. Constitution?
to guarantee due process of law to formerly enslaved people
to guarantee that immigrants had a process by which they could become citizens
to guarantee state governments the power to make and enact laws regarding the citizenship of formerly enslaved people
to guarantee equal representation in Congress for formerly enslaved people
- 65. Multiple Choice
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial. . . .—6th Amendment, U.S. Constitution
Which action is constitutionally guaranteed to accompany this provision?
the involvement of a jury
the appointment of an unbiased judge
the ability to settle with a plea bargain
the freedom from cruel punishment
- 66. Multiple Choice
He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors. . . .—U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 2
This excerpt from the United States Constitution describes powers belonging to which official?
the President
the Secretary of State
the Speaker of the House
the Chief Justice
- 67. Multiple Choice
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated. . . .—from Amendment IV of the Constitution of the United States
Which BEST describes the purpose of the excerpt?
to limit the actions of government authorities
to define the duties of each branch of government
to restrict the terms served by government leaders
to ensure that people can participate in government
- 68. Multiple Choice
Jane's home had been broken into twice in the last month. She feared for the safety of her family and herself. She did not own a firearm, but decided to purchase a firearm for the protection of her family and property.
Which Amendment does this fall under?
2nd
10th
15th
25th
- 69. Multiple Choice
A local military base in Mike's hometown asked if they could station troops at his house while their base quarters were being remodeled. Mike told them no as he did not feel it would be right to house Soldiers in a civilian home. Mike felt it would be intimidating to his family and would alarm their neighbors.
Which Amendment does this fall under?
3rd
8th
13th
18th
- 70. Multiple Choice
Bailey sued Shirley for extensive damage to her house that she had rented to Shirley for 60 days. Shirley said the home was like that the first day when she moved in so Shirley requested that her case be heard by a jury of her peers to determine the truth.
Which Amendment does this fall under?
7th
12th
17th
25th
- 71. Multiple Choice
The federal government wanted to sue the state of Kansas for not allowing legalization of certain illegal drugs in Kansas.
What amendment does this fall under?
11th
16th
21st
26th
- 72. Multiple Choice
Kyle was chosen as an elector at the state convention to represent the state of Indiana in the upcoming 2016 Presidential elections.
What amendment does this fall under?
12th
17th
22nd
27th
- 73. Multiple Choice
When Morgan wanted to buy liquor at a local restaurant, they said they were not allowed to serve any alcohol by law to any person.
What amendment does this fall under?
18th
23rd
13th
8th
- 74. Multiple Choice
Jane was excited this 20th of January as the President and Vice President she voted for last November would be taking office today and start their journey to make America great again.
What amendment does this fall under?
20th
25th
15th
10th
- 75. Multiple Choice
Bob went to his favorite restaurant today to order steak, potatoes, and a beer. To Bob this was a special day as he felt that liberty and freedom won out with repeal of the eighteenth amendment.
What amendment does this fall under?
21st
26th
16th
11th
- 76. Multiple Choice
The majority of American citizens felt no person should serve as President of the United States for more than two terms or four years per term. American citizens felt that serving longer would not be good for the country.
What amendment does this fall under?
22nd
27th
17th
12th
- 77. Multiple Choice
Anna who lives in Washington DC was finally able to vote for President. She was very excited that they were now allowed to choose their own electoral representatives for Washington DC.
What amendment does this fall under?
23rd
18th
13th
8th
- 78. Multiple Choice
When President John F. Kennedy died in 1963, then Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson took over for the rest of his term as President. This ended up being a smooth transition of power at a very tragic time.
What amendment does this fall under?
25th
20th
12th
7th
- 79. Multiple Choice
Dana was excited on this particular day as she was voting for President of the United States after turning 18 years old just ten days prior.
What amendment does this fall under?
26th
18th
1st
19th
- 80. Multiple Choice
To prevent the increase or decrease of salaries unfairly during a change in congress at each election cycle, where an outgoing congress person might vote themselves a pay increase as they were leaving office.
27th
22nd
17th
11th
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